Is your favorite beverage being recalled?

Summer is here and so is hot weather.  We are all looking forward to a nice cool beverage on hot days.  Will your favorite beverage may be missing from the shelf?  The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is recalling 28 different beverages including sodas, juices and even some bottled water.  Why?  Because of some harmful ingredients and even some cancer-causing chemicals.  Is your beverage on the list?

Why is the FDA recalling some beverages?

The FDA is recalling 28 beverages because of harmful ingredients.  One tea was recalled because it contained some anti-inflammatory medication, not listed as an ingredient.  An apple juice was recalled because it contained high levels of arsenic.  Arsenic actually “occurs naturally in the environment.” FDA has guidance on how much arsenic can be in foods as high levels are associated with “increased risk of bladder and skin cancers”.   Sodas were recalled because of sugar content. 

What bottled water was recalled?

The FDA recalled about 1.9 million bottles of the popular water, Fiji water.  Why?  Because the manganese levels were too high and the water contained three types of bacteria.  What is manganese?  Manganese is a mineral that our bodies need but in small amounts.  Manganese is needed for our bones, blood clotting, tissues and in metabolizing fat, carbs, helps calcium absorption and even helps regulate our blood sugar.  NIH notes that getting too much manganese can lead to “tremors, muscle spasms, hearing problems, … depression, loss of appetite, headaches” and other problems.    

What tea was recalled?

Tapee Tea is made by The Wiedemann Company and was first recalled in 2023 but was reclassified in January as a health hazard.  Tea is a healthy drink as I noted in What are the health benefits of green tea?  So why was the Tapee Tea recalled?  This tea was marketed for pain relief and 2 medications in the tea, dexamethasone and piroxicam, were not listed as ingredients on the label.  Dexamethasone is used to treat inflammation but has side effects including reducing one’s ability to fight infections, can raise blood sugar, cause “muscle injuries and psychiatric problems.”  The medication Piroxicam is also anti-inflammatory but “can increase the risk of heart problems, such as heart attack or stroke,” and bleeding including ulcers. 

What soft drink was recalled?

We like ginger ale, so refreshing in the summer.  Shweppes Zero Sugar Ginger Ale made by PepsiCo was recalled because it wasn’t really zero sugar but full sugar.  Not a good choice for those concerned about blood sugar levels.  

What apple juice was recalled?

Martinelli’s apple juice was recalled because it contained “elevated levels of inorganic arsenic”.  The company sold Gold Medal Apple Juice in one liter glass bottles.  How did arsenic get into this brand of apple juice?  Daily Mail notes “Arsenic can enter food when used by farmers as a pesticide and fertilizer, and is a known carcinogen”.  Too much arsenic over time is linked to an increased risk of skin and bladder cancers and other cancers including lung, liver, kidney, and digestive tract. 


What plant-based milk is being recalled? 

Oatly Oat Milk was recalled because of a possible bacterial contamination.  Affected oat milk was that “sold to “food services groups, and a variety of iced coffees, protein drinks and other flavored beverages…”

Conclusion:  This summer stay safe and avoid drinking any recalled beverages.  If you have a recalled beverage, do not consume it.  Instead, toss it or return it to the store.  Manufacturers often allow you to return recalled products to the store for a refund. For a full list of recalled beverages this year, see The 28 sodas, juices and other drinks recalled over harmful chemicals revealed.   Want to stay hydrated this summer?  Read my blog, What beverage is best for hydration?  

Sources: recalling , Arsenic , levels , Manganese , notes , Tea , What are the health benefits of green tea? , ginger ale , apple juice , notes , Milk , recalled , oat milk , return , The 28 sodas, juices and other drinks recalled over harmful chemicals revealed ,  What beverage is best for hydration?   Images:  Fiji water , Ginger ale  , apple juice

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